President El-Sisi holds side conversation with Syrian President al-Sharaa at Nicosia summit
via Egypt Today1 min read
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi engaged in a brief side conversation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the Arab-European summit in Cyprus. President El-Sisi also participated in a group photo with other leaders and attendees. This interaction follows a previous meeting between El-Sisi and al-Sharaa in March 2025 at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Egypt, shortly after al-Sharaa became President of Syria. In that earlier meeting, President El-Sisi had affirmed Egypt’s support for the Syrian people and their aspirations. The current summit also featured President El-Sisi outlining Egypt’s stances on regional developments and its relationship with the European Union.
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Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated that Egypt currently hosts approximately ten million migrants who were compelled to leave their home countries due to challenging circumstances. He highlighted that Egypt receives only limited external financial support for this effort. El-Sisi made these remarks during a summit in Nicosia, Cyprus, attended by Arab, European, and European Union leaders. He emphasized the European side's focus on migration and expressed Egypt's desire for an integrated partnership in this area. This cooperation, he noted, should encompass support for job creation, development, capacity-building, and the establishment of pathways for regular migration and mobility for study and work. El-Sisi explained that these efforts aim to tackle the underlying causes of illegal migration through a shared development agenda. He also mentioned that Egypt has fulfilled its responsibilities in combating illegal migration, an endeavor recognized by international partners. Separately, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, during a bilateral meeting with El-Sisi on the summit's sidelines, underscored the necessity for the European Union to share the burden with Egypt stemming from hosting a large number of refugees.
On Sinai Liberation Day, Egypt is reviewing recent archaeological discoveries and restored sites across the Sinai Peninsula. Notable discoveries include the remains of a religious building dedicated to Pelousios at Tell el-Farma, shedding light on the ancient city of Pelusium's religious influence. The Umm Arak Plateau in South Sinai, a previously unknown site, has been identified as a significant rock art location, documenting human artistic expression from prehistoric to Islamic periods. In North Sinai, the Tell al-Kharouba site revealed a large New Kingdom military fortress along the ancient Horus Military Road, highlighting the pharaohs' strategic genius in protecting Egypt's eastern borders. The Tell Habwa site uncovered a mud-brick structure believed to be a royal rest house from King Thutmose III's reign. Excavations at Tell Abu Seifi revealed an extension of a Roman fort, residential buildings, and kilns, while the Qasrawet site unearthed a residential house and pottery from the Nabataean-Roman period. Restoration efforts are also underway, with work completed on elements within the ancient city of Farma, including the citadel walls, the Roman-era Sheikhs' Building, and various churches. Restoration at Khan al-Khuwaynat involves reconstructing arcades and pillars. The Al-Arish Museum is being upgraded for opening, and restoration work at Wadi al-Nasb is 95 percent complete. The Temple of Hathor in Serabit al-Khadim, Wadi Maktab, and the Cave have reached 55 percent co
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides signed a joint declaration to upgrade relations between Egypt and Cyprus to a strategic partnership. This move reflects the historical ties between the two nations. The leaders held talks in Nicosia during a consultative meeting with Arab and European leaders and EU officials, discussing regional and international developments, including the Iranian crisis. El-Sisi highlighted cooperation in trade, investment, labor, tourism, and energy, and they reviewed progress on linking Cypriot natural gas fields to Egyptian infrastructure for domestic use and export. Christodoulides praised Egypt's efforts in combating irregular migration and called for greater EU burden-sharing given Egypt's role in hosting refugees. The discussions also covered regional developments, with El-Sisi outlining Egypt's efforts to reduce tensions and restore stability, particularly regarding the Iranian file. Christodoulides appreciated Egypt's regional vision and role. They also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, emphasizing the need for a full ceasefire, unconditional humanitarian aid delivery, and urgent reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Must ReadPresident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized that achieving stability in Lebanon is a top priority for Egypt during a consultative meeting with EU and Arab leaders in Cyprus. He highlighted the importance of adhering to the recent ceasefire and called for concerted efforts from all partners to prevent a return to escalation. El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's full support for Lebanon and its state institutions, urging the international community to support Lebanese national institutions in their pivotal role and to work towards ending Israeli attacks and occupation.